by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

Hamburg, NY — The longest stretch on a half-mile track in the United States and a pacer with a form that shows a big time closing kick. That was the perfect recipe for Diamond Cowboy in Buffalo Raceway’s $10,000 Open Pace on Saturday evening (Jan. 16).

Steve Roth photo

Diamond Cowboy rolled to an Open win at Buffalo Raceway.

Diamond Cowboy ($6.20) was parked out in the field of six from the start but was perfectly rated by driver Shawn Gray to stay in contention as Youwillwishyouhad set fractions of :29.1, :59.4 and 1:29.1.

At the three-quarter station, Gray tipped the locked and loaded Diamond Cowboy three-wide around the final turn and effortlessly went on to score the 1-1/4 length win in 1:58.4. China Dream (Jack Flanigen) rode the pylons for second while Youwillwishyouhad (Kevin Cummings) held on for the show spot.

Diamond Cowboy (Six Of Diamonds-Money For Munchkin) is a 7-year-old gelding owned by William Emmons and trained by Gray. A winner of $61,118 in 2015 thanks to six victories, Diamond Cowboy has now earned $499,915 lifetime.

It was a great all around night for Gray as he registered a driving and training triple. He also drove and conditioned Harmony Oaks Ruler ($2.90) and Mercurio N ($3.60). Shawn McDonough and Truman Gale each notched three-baggers as well on the evening. Courtney Ohol scored a double for the second straight night on the trainer’s side while Craig Gilmour also found the winner’s circle twice.

Racing will resume on Wednesday at 5 p.m. with a 12-race program which will feature some of the best filly and mare pacers on the grounds battling for a purse of $9,200 in the opener.

For more information including the latest news, results, replays, entries and upcoming promotions, go to www.buffaloraceway.com.